Reverse-tension earbud organizer

ABSTRACT

An apparatus facilitates reverse-tension headphone cable organization. The apparatus includes at least one headphone retention point to retain at least one headphone through tension in a headphone cable. The headphone cable is coupled to the at least one headphone. The apparatus also includes a port connector to facilitate connection of the apparatus to a separate electronic device. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one retention point to secure at least a portion of a headphone system, and a graphical element aligned with the retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of a component of the headphone system with the graphical element upon insertion of the secured portion of the headphone system into the retention point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/581,092, filed Dec. 29, 2011, and entitled “A Reverse-Tension EarbudOrganizer” (atty docket no. JTH-P011P), which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of electronic devices including personal music players,phones, laptops, and desktop computers has increased to the point ofbecoming commonplace. Many who use these devices carry cabledheadphones, earbuds, etc. with them on a daily basis. These cabledheadphones are easily tangled and knotted while stored or carried. Manyof the conventional designs intended to address this problem simply addto the number of items one would have to carry without resolving theproblem in a simple, user-friendly, and functional manner.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for reverse-tensionheadphone cable organization. The apparatus includes at least oneheadphone retention point to retain at least one headphone throughtension in a headphone cable. The headphone cable is coupled to the atleast one headphone. The apparatus also includes a port connector tofacilitate connection of the apparatus to a separate electronic device.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one retentionpoint to secure at least a portion of a headphone system. The apparatusalso includes a graphical element aligned with the retention point.Alignment of the graphical element with the retention point facilitatesvisual incorporation of a component of the headphone system with thegraphical element upon insertion of the secured portion of the headphonesystem into the retention point.

Other embodiments of the apparatus and related methods and systems arealso described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of areverse-tension cable organizer.

FIG. 2A illustrates several directional schematic views of anotherembodiment of a reverse-tension cable organizer.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of areverse-tension cable organizer.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of the organizerof FIG. 1 with a headphone cable on the organizer.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a securingelement on the port connector.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of several embodiments of thesecuring element of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate schematic views of one embodiment of an organizerwith a slider adjustment extended and retracted.

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate schematic views of one embodiment of an organizerwith a hinge adjustment structure straight (i.e., engaged) and pivoted(i.e., disengaged).

FIG. 8 illustrates schematic views of several examples of customizationembodiments of the organizer.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of anattachment plate mounting system.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of anattachment mounting system.

Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used toidentify similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, specific details of various embodimentsare provided. However, some embodiments may be practiced with less thanall of these specific details. In other instances, certain methods,procedures, components, structures, and/or functions are described in nomore detail than to enable the various embodiments of the invention, forthe sake of brevity and clarity.

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments asgenerally described herein and illustrated in the appended figures couldbe arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, asrepresented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments.While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings,the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specificallyindicated.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by this detailed description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light ofthe description herein, that the invention can be practiced without oneor more of the specific features or advantages of a particularembodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages maybe recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in allembodiments of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicatedembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentinvention. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,”and similar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, the phrase“point” is used throughout the description of various embodiments;however, this language should not be read so as to limit the presentinvention to a mathematical definition of a point in any embodiment. Thephrase “point” is used to denote an area, piece, region, or portion ofthe present invention.

Embodiments of the design are expected to be user friendly, have lowmanufacturing and material cost, maintain high durability, and beadaptable to a plurality of different electronic devices. The simplicityof the design provides for ease use. The design is lightweight andrelatively small thus facilitating personal use in frequent orinfrequent applications. In some embodiments, the design provides fororganization of headphone cables to prevent tangling, damage, and wearof the headphones and cables. In one embodiment, the design allows auser to attach the organizer to an electronic device, secure andorganize the headphones and cables, and carry the entire systemefficiently and in a unified and organized manner.

Because of the relatively small and simple form, some embodiments of thedesign allow a user to keep an embodiment of the organizer attached toan accompanying device even while the headphones are in use or notattached to the organizer 100. For example, a user with an electronicdevice such as an iPhone™ or other device capable of employingheadphones may attach the organizer to an input/output access point(e.g., connection port) on the device and secure the headphones in aheadphone retention portion and wrap the cable at a cable retentionpoint to prevent the headphones from knotting, tangling, or becomingdamaged.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of areverse-tension cable organizer 100. While other embodiments may haveother arrangements with more or less functionality, the illustratedembodiment includes two pairs of wings 102, entry slots 104, headphoneretention points 106, cable retention points 108, a port connector 110,accessory attachment points 112, and grip points 114. In one embodiment,the organizer 100 is a single piece. In another embodiment, theorganizer 100 includes multiple pieces with multiple materialproperties.

The wings 102 form the headphone retention points 106. The depictedembodiment includes two headphone retention points 106. However, otherembodiments may include fewer or more headphone retention points 106 tofacilitate organization of fewer or more headphones. In some embodimentsthe wings 102 form the small gap or entry slot 104 to allow a headphonecable to pass through and into the headphone retention point 106. Insome embodiments, the entry slot 104 is slightly open between the wings102. In other embodiments, the wings 102 are in contact with each otherand the cable must be forced through the entry slot 104 where it isretained in the headphone retention points 106.

In one embodiment, the headphone retention points 106 have a geometrylarge enough to allow the headphone cable to move freely once inside theheadphone retention points 106 but small enough that the headphonesthemselves cannot pass through the headphone retention points 106. (Forreference, see FIG. 3, described below.) In this manner, when tension isapplied to the headphone cable, the tension maintains the headphonespositioned in the headphone retention points 106. In some embodiments,the headphone retention points 106 are teardrop-shaped, as shown inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, the headphone retention points 106 haveother geometries. In some embodiments, the headphone retention points106 may include a liner around the inside to protect the headphonesand/or cables and reduce wear on the organizer 100.

The organizer 100 also includes cable retention points 108. In theillustrated embodiment, the cable retention points 108 form pinch pointsfor the cable in order to secure it to the organizer 100. Additionally,the cable retention points 108 allow a user to wrap the headphone cablearound the organizer 100 by providing a notch to prevent sliding whenthe cable is wrapped through. In some embodiments, the cable retentionpoints 108 include a no-slip coating to further reduce cable slippage.In other embodiments, the cable retention points 108 have other shapesto retain the headphone cable.

The illustrated embodiment of the organizer 100 also includes a portconnector 110. The port connector 110 interfaces with an input/outputaccess point to secure the organizer 100 to an electronic device. In theillustrated embodiment, the port connector 110 is configured tointerface with the docking port of an iPhone™. Other embodiments areconfigured to interface with other types and brands of electronicdevices and ports. The port connector 100 is inserted into the port andconnects the organizer 100 with the device. In this manner, a user maykeep a pair of headphones together with the electronic device withouthaving to keep the headphones plugged in or wrapped around the deviceitself. This is particularly useful with small conventional electronicdevices. If the device has a touch screen, covering the screen with awrapped cable is bothersome and inconvenient. By using and attaching theorganizer 100 to the device, the headphone cable stays with theelectronic device without impeding the use of the device. Additionally,the organizer 100 does not increase the thickness of the device or theability of the device to lay substantially flat on a surface. The portconnector 110 may include additional functionality as is described belowwith reference to FIGS. 6A-7B. In some embodiments the port connector110 may include a securing element (shown and described in FIG. 4). Insome embodiments, the port connector 110 is made of a stiff material foreasy insertion and removal. In other embodiments, the port connector 110is made of a flexible material to reduce wear, prevent particulatematter from entering the port, and improve retention of the organizer100 on the electronic device. In some embodiments, the port connector110 is configured to electrically connect the electronic device to anelectronic component (not shown) of the organizer 100. For example, theport connector 110 may connect the electronic device to a display,speakers, lights, memory, an extra battery, a charge port, a data port,or other portable electronic component within the organizer 100.

The illustrated embodiment of the organizer 100 also includes accessoryattachment points 112. The accessory attachment points 112 allow a userto attach accessories to the organizer 100. For example, a user mayattach a key ring, lanyard, fob, or other decorative or functional item.Additionally, the accessory attachment points 112 may allow a user tosecure the organizer 100 while participating in activities other thansimply interfacing with the electronic device. For example, a user mayattach the organizer 100 to a wristband, necklace, zipper, lace, string,clip, or other attachment mechanism.

In the illustrated embodiment, the organizer 100 also includes grippoints 114. The grip points 114 provide a secure gripping point for theuser to insert or remove the organizer 100 from an electronic device.The illustrated embodiment shows a toothed embodiment of the grip points114. Other embodiments include knurled, textured, deformable, or cuppedgrip points 114. Another embodiment may include an additional materialsuch as grip tape, gel, or other grippable material applied to the grippoints 114. Other embodiments may omit grip points or may have a singlegrip point.

FIG. 2A illustrates several directional schematic views of anotherembodiment of a reverse-tension cable organizer 100. The illustratedembodiment includes securing elements 116 on the port connector 110. Thesecuring elements 110 provide for additional retention force when theport connector 110 is inserted into an electronic device access point.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of areverse-tension cable organizer 100. In the illustrated embodiment, thewings 102 and the region just above the port connector 110 havedifferent dimensions, compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, toreduce the overall size of the organizer 100. In some embodiments, theorganizer 100 has an overall width that is approximately the same as, orsmaller than, the typical dimensions of the type of device to which itis configured to attach. Other embodiments of the organizer 100 may havediffering geometries to more closely follow dimensions of the electronicdevice to which it connects or to improve ease of use with that device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of the organizerof FIG. 1 with a headphone cable 120 on the organizer 100. In theillustrated embodiment, the headphones 122 are secured in the headphoneretention points 106 (see FIG. 1) and the headphone cable 120 is wrappedaround the organizer 100. Although FIG. 3 depicts one way of wrappingthe headphone cable 120 on the organizer 100, the organizer 100facilitates multiple ways or patterns of wrapping the headphone cable120. In the illustrated embodiment, the jack end of the headphone cable120 is secured in one of the pinch points of the headphone cableretention points 108.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a securingelement 116 on the port connector 110. In the illustrated embodiment,the securing element 116 is a small fin on the side of the portconnector 110 to provide a retention force when the port connector 110is inserted into an electronic device. In some embodiments, the securingelement 116 is a fin oriented with a sloped portion to facilitate easeof insertion and a hook-like portion to prevented unwanted removal ofthe port connector 110 from an electronic device. Additionally, althoughthe illustrated embodiment depicts the securing element 116 on the sideof the port connector 110, other embodiments include securing elements116 on the top or bottom of the connector. Other shapes may also be usedfor the securing elements 116.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of several embodiments of thesecuring element 116 of FIG. 4. In the top embodiment, the securingelement 116 is placed on a cut-away portion of the port connector 110.By placing the securing element 116 on the cut-away portion of the portconnector 110, the securing element 116 is allowed to deflect towardsthe port connector 110 to reduce the wear and force on the securingelement 116. In essence, the cut-away portion of the port connector 110,upon which the securing element 116 is mounted, behaves like a springelement when force is applied to the securing element 116.

The middle embodiment depicts a reverse spring principle. The cut-awayportion of the port connector 110 is attached toward the end of the portconnector 110 and detached near the main portion of the organizer 100.This allows for the same spring concept to function during connectionbut with a reduced chance of difficulty inserting the port connector 110into an electronic device access point due to the solid front edge ofthe port connector 110.

The bottom embodiment of FIG. 5 depicts a hybrid design of the twoembodiments shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the securing element116 is split into two pieces and the cut-away allows the securingelement 116 to flex inward, towards the port connector 110, to reducethe friction on the securing element 116.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate schematic views of one embodiment of the organizer100 with a slider adjustment extended. In the illustrated embodiment,the organizer 100 includes a slider slot 124 with a slider button 126 toextend and retract the port connector 110. FIG. 6A depicts the organizer100 with the port connector 110 extended for attachment while FIG. 6Bdepicts the organizer 100 with the port connector 110 in the retractedposition. In some embodiments, the port connector 110 is extended orretracted by the user interfacing with the slider button 126 located inthe slider slot 124. In some embodiments, the slider may be actuated bya spring or be moved by depressing the slider button 126 within theslider slot 124 and moving the slider button 126 to the desired positionbefore releasing the slider button 126 to lock the port connector 110 inplace. Other embodiments include other mechanisms for extending andretracting the port connector 110.

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate schematic views of one embodiment of an organizer100 with a hinge adjustment structure 128 straight and pivoted. In thedepicted embodiment of FIG. 7A, the hinge adjustment structure 128 isoriented between the port connector 110 and the main portion of theorganizer 100. This allows a user to pivot the port connector 110 toadjust to an application of the organizer 100. The side view shown inFIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of the pivot feature of the hingeadjustment structure 128.

FIG. 8 illustrates schematic views of several examples of customizationembodiments of the organizer 100. The illustrated embodiment includestwo logos of well-known entities. As depicted, the logos areincorporated into embodiments of the organizer 100. In this manner, theorganizer 100 retains the functionality while also allowing a user toselect an identifying aspect for the organizer 100.

In some embodiments, the logo or other graphical element is positionedrelative to the retention points 106, or openings, so that placement ofearbuds within the retention points 106 aligns the earbuds (or a portionthereof) with the logo or other graphical element to facilitate visualincorporation of the earbud sound ports, stems, cord, or other componentwith the logo or other graphical element. In one embodiment, a skulllogo is incorporated and positioned relative to the retention points 106so that the sound ports of the headphones appear to be positioned asheadphones relative to the skull graphical element. In other words, thesound ports of the earbuds are positioned to represent earbuds worn bythe skull, so that it appears that the skull is wearing a pair ofheadphones. In another embodiment, the retention points 106 are alignedwith a familiar mouse logo so that placement of the earbuds within theretention points 106 will appear to visually complete the ears of themouse logo. While these are specific examples of potential designs,other designs may also be implemented using identifying designs, logos,symbols, characters, etc. For example, the sound ports of earbuds may bevisually aligned as tires of an automobile, recreational vehicle, orother wheeled vehicle. As another example, the sound ports of earbudsmay be visually aligned in the locations of propellers on an airplane.In other embodiments, the stems, cables, connector, or other componentsof earbuds may be aligned to graphically coincide with a graphicalelement on the organizer 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of anattachment plate mounting system. In the illustrated embodiment, a firstattachment plate 130 with mounting stakes 132 is shown. To secure thefirst attachment plate 130 to the organizer 100 the stakes 132 arealigned and inserted through mounting channels 134 in the organizer 100.The stakes 132 are then inserted into a second attachment plate 136 atthe mounting holes 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of thestakes 132 are configured to lock when engaged with the mounting holes138 of the second attachment plate 136. Alternatively, the stakes 132may engage directly with mounting holes within the body of the organizer100, in which case the second attachment plate 136 may be omitted orseparately attached to the body of the organizer 100.

In one embodiment, the first attachment plate 130 includes a visualidentifier as described with relation to FIG. 8 applied to or printed ormolded directly onto the first attachment plate 130. In the illustratedembodiment, a visual element 140 is coupled to the first attachmentplate 130. In this embodiment, the visual element 140 includes thevisual identifier. In some embodiments, the second attachment plate 136includes a visual identifier similar to or different from the visualelement 140 of the first attachment plate 130. Other embodiments mayinclude other manners of attaching visual identifiers to the organizer100. For example, one or both of the attachment plates may snap, slide,adhere, or otherwise couple to the body of the organizer 100 and/or theopposing attachment plate.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of anattachment mounting system. The illustrated organizer 100 implements adetachable base port connector 152 and body 154. In one embodiment, theport connector 152 includes securing elements 152 similar to otherembodiments described herein. The port connector 152 also includes anopposing body connector 158 that, in some instances, may be similar inform and function to the port connector 152. However, the body connector158 is configured to connect the detachable body 154 to the base portconnector 152. In some embodiments, the body connector 158 includes oneor more securing elements 160 similar at the securing elements 152described herein. Alternatively, another means for securing the body 154to the base 152 may be used. Some examples of other securing meansinclude, but are not limited to, adhesives, friction fit construction,internal or external tension clips, screws or other fasteners, and soforth. The body 154 includes corresponding cavities 162 and 164 toreceive the body connector 158, along with the securing elements 160, ifany. In alternative embodiments, the body connector may include two ormore structures extending from the port connector 152. In a specificembodiment, the structures of the body connector 158 and thecorresponding cavity 162 may be implemented on the oppositecomponents—so the port connector 152 includes the cavity 162 and thebody 154 includes the protruding body connector 158. Any other means ofconnecting the body 154 and the base port connector 152 may be used, asmay be understood by one of skill in the art within the context of thedescription provided herein.

In other embodiments, the organizer 100 may omit the port connector 110and be configured to attach directly to a separate port connector. Inthis way, embodiments of the organizer 100 may combine with a typicaldock connector cord, so that both the dock connector cord and theheadphone cables may be mounted to and organized using the organizer100. In another embodiment, the organizer 100 may be configured solelyfor a typical dock connector cord and omit distinct mounting options forheadphone cables.

In other embodiments, the organizer 100 may omit the port connector 110and include a headphone retention point and a graphical element. Theheadphone retention point may be configured to secure any portion of theheadphones such as earbuds, a cable, a microphone, a connector, oranother portion, or any combination thereof. The graphical element maybe aligned with the headphone retention point to facilitate visualincorporation of the secured portion (or another portion) of theheadphones with the graphical element to complete an otherwiseincomplete representation of the graphical element.

In the above description, specific details of various embodiments areprovided. However, some embodiments may be practiced with less than allof these specific details. Although specific embodiments of theinvention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not tobe limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so describedand illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by theclaims appended hereto and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for reverse-tension headphone cableorganization, the apparatus comprising: at least one headphone retentionpoint to retain at least one headphone through tension in a headphonecable, the headphone cable coupled to the at least one headphone; and aport connector to facilitate connection of the apparatus to a separateelectronic device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anaccessory attachment point to facilitate attachment of a peripheralaccessory to the apparatus.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theport connector comprises a mechanical adjustment structure to move theport connector relative to the headphone retention point and the cableretention point.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mechanicaladjustment structure comprises a hinge to position the port connectorrelative to the headphone retention point and the cable retention point.5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mechanical adjustment structurecomprises a slider to extend or retract the port connector relative tothe headphone retention point and the cable retention point.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one headphone retention pointcomprises an entry slot with clearance dimension sufficient to allow thecable to pass through but insufficient to allow the headphone to passthrough, thereby retaining the at least one headphone.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising at least one cable retention point tofacilitate securing the headphone cable on the apparatus.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one cable retention pointcomprises at least three separate cable retention points to facilitate aplurality of cable winding paths for the headphone cable, wherein eachcable retention point comprises a concave edge surface.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a graphical element, wherein thegraphical element is aligned with the headphone retention point tofacilitate visual incorporation of a headphone component with thegraphical element upon insertion of the headphone into the headphoneretention point.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the graphicalelement is disposed on a body surface of the apparatus.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the graphical element is aligned with theheadphone retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of anearbud port of the headphone with the graphical element upon insertionof the headphone into the headphone retention point.
 12. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein each headphone retention point is defined by atleast two surrounding wings which protrude longitudinally from a bodyportion of the apparatus, and interior sidewalls of the surroundingwings form contact points for a back side of a housing of an earbud ofthe headphones.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anattachment plate to attach to a body portion of the apparatus, whereinthe attachment plate comprises a visual element.
 14. The device of claim1, wherein the port connector comprises a securing element to allow theconnector to provide retention force between the connector and theseparate electronic apparatus.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein thesecuring element comprises a spring tab.
 16. The device of claim 14,wherein the securing element comprises a flexible material to deform tocreate contact friction between the connector and the separateelectronic apparatus.
 17. An apparatus comprising: at least oneretention point to secure at least a portion of a headphone system; anda graphical element, wherein the graphical element is aligned with theretention point to facilitate visual incorporation of a component of theheadphone system with the graphical element upon insertion of thesecured portion of the headphone system into the retention point. 18.The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the graphical element is aligned withthe retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of an earbud ofthe headphone system with the graphical element upon securing the earbudinto the retention point.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein thegraphical element is aligned with the retention point to facilitatevisual incorporation of a cable of the headphone system with thegraphical element upon securing the cable into the retention point. 20.The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the graphical element is aligned withthe retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of a microphoneof the headphone system with the graphical element upon securing themicrophone into the retention point.